The video was projected onto a water tower in Arnold and another water tower in St. Charles County, according to a statement from the water supplier.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. — Water suppliers in Jefferson and St. Charles counties have released a statement after political ads were projected on water towers this month.
The first incident occurred on October 22nd. A large blue campaign poster reading “TRUMP VANCE 2024” was displayed on the nearby Public Water District 1 water tower off Michigan Avenue for less than an hour, according to a report from Leader Publications. I-55 and Hwy. 141.
Jefferson County Public Water District 1 said in a statement that those responsible for the projection did not have a permit.
“PWSD#1 is a public organization and does not support any political party or candidate for any office,” the statement said.
According to Leader Publications, Arnold police officers found a 41-year-old Clayton man in the Arnold Commons parking lot off the highway. 141 Project images onto the water tower. After speaking with officers, the man stopped projecting the video and left, police said.
Arnold Police have not filed criminal charges against the man at this time, according to Leader Publications.
This week, St. Charles County Public Water District 2 posted a similar statement regarding the projection of its water tower along South Outer 40, visible from Interstate 64.
“We would like to address the recent political advertisements placed on water towers,” the notice reads. “These ads are not approved or endorsed by PWSD#2. We are not involved in publishing them and they do not reflect our views or business practices.”
A statement from the school district said the ads were not allowed and that they were taking steps to “address this misconduct and ensure it does not happen again in the future.”
Election predictions aren’t limited to the St. Louis area. A man was fined for projecting a pro-Trump message on a water tower in Hanson, Massachusetts, earlier this month, according to NBC10 Boston.
You can read the water company’s full statement below.
PWSD No. 1 statement
The school district is aware of political signs being projected onto the Michigan Avenue water tower visible from Highway 55 last night. PWSD#1 is a public organization and does not endorse any political party or candidate for any office. We are investigating the situation to prevent future issues. No district funds were used to project images onto our tower, and no one had permission to do so.
PWSD No. 2 Statement
I would like to address a political ad that was recently placed on a water tower. These ads are not approved or endorsed by PWSD#2. We have no involvement in such presentations and they do not reflect our views or business practices.
Our water towers and facilities are for community and business use only and are not permitted to display any advertising. We are taking steps to address this misconduct and prevent it from happening again in the future.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us directly.
